Our collections
Our first collections were brought together more than 200 years ago and we’ve been adding to them ever since.
From art to archaeology, history to industry, the natural and the wider world, they are amongst the UK’s finest with many recognised as nationally and internationally important. They can be seen on display across all our museums, in our stores or online.
- See our exhibitions online featuring our collections.
- Explore stories about Bristol and the world through the city’s objects, art and people.
- Find out more about the British Empire and Commonwealth Collection.
Collections enquiries
Our collections are divided into eight different curatorial departments (Applied Art, Archaeology, Art, Asian and Islamic Art, Biology, Geology, History and World Cultures). If you’d like to make an enquiry about an object or collection, you can read about our curatorial teams and find guidance on contacting us.
Collections Care
The Collections Care Department focuses on the physical care and documentation of our diverse collections. Find out more about the Collections Care teams.
Our Art in your Home: Custom prints from our collection
Choose from hundreds of prints and key paintings from our collection. Print on paper or canvas, select a size and frame, and we will sort the rest. Your bespoke print will be delivered to your door. Shop for Custom Prints
You can also buy some of our most popular items online as either prints or digital files using our bridgeman images collection.
We support an active loans policy to provide increased access to our collections. For more information, download our Conditions of Loan (PDF 325KB).
British Empire & Commonwealth Collection
Photographs, films, personal papers, sound recordings and objects.
